AUSTIN — Rep. Jason Isaac (R-Dripping Springs) announced the passage of Senate Bill 1329, which will create two new courts in Hays County.

“Hays County is one of the fastest-growing in Texas and even in the nation. With such rapid growth comes significant challenges, including backlogs in the legal system,” Rep. Isaac said. “This legislation will help Hays County residents resolve their legal matters and reach justice while reducing frustrating delays.”

“Hays County last received an additional county court in 1987 and an additional district court in 2005. Since then, our population has increased dramatically placing a great burden on our courts,” said Hays County Judge Bert Cobb. “These new courts will ensure we are able to operate the efficient and effective justice system that our citizens deserve.”

SB 1329 is the 85th Texas Legislature’s omnibus bill creating several new courts across the state. Among other provisions, it creates the 453rd Judicial District, composed of Hays County, and the County Court at Law No. 3 of Hays County. The bill has been sent to Governor Greg Abbott’s desk to be signed into law.

“The passage of SB 1329 creating two additional courts in Hays County is the culmination of two years of work by several members of the local bar, our sitting judges, the Hays County Commissioners Court, and Representative Isaac’s office,” said Daniel O’Brien, a member of the local legal community. “The new courts will help meet the current high demand on judicial resources in Hays County to hear all types of cases and will allow community members to more quickly resolve their disputes. The new courts will also help the county keep pace with the acknowledged needs of our fast-growing population, including the continued increase in criminal, family, probate, and other civil case filings.”

“I’m thankful to Senator Joan Huffman (R-Houston), author of SB 1329, for recognizing the importance of these new courts to or community,” Rep. Isaac continued. “I was proud to work with Senators Donna Campbell (R-New Braunfels) and Judith Zaffirini (D-Laredo) to get this done for the constituents we serve.”

Rep. Isaac is a fourth-generation native Texan who has served House District 45 since 2011. He is the vice president of the Texas Conservative Coalition, the conservative caucus in the Texas Legislature, and founding chair of the Hill Country Caucus. He is proud to represent Hays and Blanco counties and lives in Drippings Springs with his wife, Carrie, and two sons.